The Earth is getting warmer, but Alaba­ma's state climatologist says carbon fuels aren't to blame.

John Christy, who heads the Earth Sys­tem Science Center at the University of Alabama- Huntsville, told a group of civic and business leaders Tuesday that the Earth's warming is well within historical ranges.

He spoke at the Energy and Environ­ment Lecture sponsored by Auburn Mont­gomery and Alabama Power Co.

Carbon dioxide levels have increased 38 percent in the last 100 years, Christy said, leading to an increase in the average surface temperature of about 1.26°F. Even if carbon dioxide doubled, temperatures would increase only about 3.6°F, according to Christy.